An overview of qualitative research

摘要

Pharmacy practice research has been defined as the rationale,scope,efficiency and effectiveness of pharmacy practice.It was described in 1991 as a "new and rapidly expanding area of research"2 which includes a wide diversity of topics such as research into health services,patient populations,service providers and pharmacists.Contributions to the field of pharmacy practice include findings from academics,pharmacy practitioners and pharmacy students,and this article will introduce the reader.to aspects of qualitative research,with the aim of stimulating interest in the use of this methodology.Part 1 provides a brief overview of qualitative research for pharmacists and part 2 provides practical advice on the collection of data using focus groups or in-depth interviews and suggestions regarding data analysis.The reader is encouraged to obtain additional information from the references listed in the bibliography-